Adler also recommends that you not miss the opportunity to tread grapes at one of the vineyards. "Grape-treading was a fantastic experience," she says, remembering that there was a man with a pole chanting in Portuguese during the crush-something that she assumed to mean "left, right ..." From her experience, she recalls, "You stand in a line with arms linked and move your feet in a circular motion to crush the grapes. You move all together in a line to the other side of the vat. Then, you return." The process is repeated until the grapes are sufficiently stamped.

After having sampled the local fare, check out the Casa da Musica (House of Music), designed by Dutch architect Rom Koolhaas, or the national Contemporary Art Museum. Even strolling the streets with no other objective is worth an afternoon of your time. Dine on some tripe or pig's blood broth, and relax with a view of the Douro River. Then, go back for another glass of port!

Portugal is often lost in Europe, as France, Spain and Italy tend to draw the largest crowds. Within Portugal, Lisbon usually grabs the top spot for travelers. So, if you want to try something different-while finally sipping the port you've never been able to find-try Porto. And, bring a bottle back for me.